AWOL!

Fired means do not show up for work. Nursing Managers and Staffers really don’t seem to be the sort of people who’d dabble in the supernatural, however they have been known to assign duties to ghosts who don’t ever show up for work.“I like to call in sick to work at places where I’ve never held a job. Then when the manager tells me I don’t work there, I tell them I’d like to. But not today, as I’m sick.” ― Jarod Kintz

 Termination mean fired

I was working regular shifts at a hospital where this problem was quite prevalent. These ghost nurses were scheduled to show up at their shift times but never did. And despite the fact that we never really saw them at work, they were famous. After all, when other nurses see the same names scheduled day after day for months, it gave them a reason to despise them.( taken all the overtime)

The problem with these ghost is that they are only good for populating the schedule and call list. One look and it seems that the hospital is staffed with enough people to look after all the patients. But the dire reality is that the wards are understaffed and the attending staff is tired, frustrated.

You will get Fired by not calling out.

Called to the Manager about staffing issues one day. It was one of those overworked and exasperated staff week. After working scheduled side by side with the ghost nurses. Showed up to carry out my duties day after day, week after week. That is, until I couldn’t had to left a message for my manager.  Stated “you have to hire more staff. You need  real people.  

You need to stop putting all these names on the roll, these RN’S never show up for work. So why on the schedule everyday? Know one’s have ever seen these medical personnels at work. Stop using them as fillers. You are low staff and you know it. Be honest for a change!” While making the phone call, I didn’t realize that would get me terminated

Fired fast

The next day, was told  facing a possible suspension. Because of my offensive tone of voice during the phone call.  Live all my life in New York; the southern accent is how I talk for goodness’s sake! But no, I couldn’t catch a break. I told them that while they were taking out their issues on me, they still had ghosts on their payroll. But it was all to no avail. Anyway, these guys write my paycheck! So, I talked myself out of a full-blown confrontation, cooled down, smiled where I could, and said I would be more considerate the next time. As Harry Truman once said, “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” I didn’t want this tragedy to befall me.

Quitting 

My bosses did address the “no call no-show” situation eventually.  I don’t understand how people who don’t show up without prior notification, manage to keep their jobs. Why can’t they simply call into work, a few hours before their shift is to start, and say that they are sick, busy, or otherwise engaged?

I think I know why!

It’s because they are inconsiderate and thankless. And since they are getting away with it daily, they think they can continue this behavior forever.

I realize that nurses have it tough. But not showing up for work when you know that you are scheduled to is simply the fastest shortcut to getting fired. Do not go AWOL on your duty, unless you are ready to deal with the possible consequences, one of which is getting fired from your job. Remember, once they fire you, you will never be able to go back to work at the same place again. So be irresponsible only if you are willing to never look back.